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Benito Pérez Galdós: Biography, Books & Where to Start

1843–1920 · Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain · also known as Galdós, Perez Galdos

Benito Pérez Galdós booksBenito Pérez Galdós biographyFortunata and JacintaDoña PerfectaMarianelaMisericordiaGaldósPerez Galdos

Who was Benito Pérez Galdós?

Benito Pérez Galdós is often called Spain’s greatest novelist after Cervantes — its Dickens or Balzac. Born in the Canary Islands, he made Madrid his great subject. His 46 Episodios nacionales retell 19th-century Spanish history, and his novels — Doña Perfecta (1876), Marianela (1878), the masterpiece Fortunata and Jacinta (1887) and Misericordia (1897) — portray every class of society with humour and compassion.

Where to start

Begin with Doña Perfecta.

Benito Pérez Galdós’s books, in order

  1. Doña Perfecta (1876)
    Free at: Project Gutenberg · Standard Ebooks · LibriVox · Wikisource · Internet Archive · Open Library Find a free edition →
  2. Marianela (1878)
    Free at: Project Gutenberg · Standard Ebooks · LibriVox · Wikisource · Internet Archive · Open Library Find a free edition →
  3. Fortunata and Jacinta (1887)
    Free at: Project Gutenberg · Standard Ebooks · LibriVox · Wikisource · Internet Archive · Open Library Find a free edition →
  4. Misericordia (1897)
    Free at: Project Gutenberg · Standard Ebooks · LibriVox · Wikisource · Internet Archive · Open Library Find a free edition →

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More Spanish authors

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Benito Pérez Galdós?

Benito Pérez Galdós is often called Spain’s greatest novelist after Cervantes — its Dickens or Balzac. Born in the Canary Islands, he made Madrid his great subject.

What is Benito Pérez Galdós’s most famous book?

Fortunata and Jacinta is usually considered Benito Pérez Galdós’s best-known work, followed by Doña Perfecta, Marianela, Misericordia.

Which Benito Pérez Galdós book should I read first?

Most readers start with Doña Perfecta.

Is it Benito Pérez Galdós or Perez Galdos?

Both refer to the same writer. Other spellings and names include Galdós, Perez Galdos.

Can I read Benito Pérez Galdós’s books free online?

Many of Benito Pérez Galdós’s works are in the public domain; we link to free editions below.

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